The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) is gearing up for an exciting championship event scheduled for next year, with expectations of a significant turnout. National head coach Cam Todd has revealed that preparations are already in motion to secure a larger venue following the less-than-satisfactory experience at the recent FABA Golden Gloves championships.
Todd expressed optimism about collaborating with the Fiji Sports Council to secure the Vodafone Arena, which he believes would accommodate the anticipated influx of participants better. He is particularly excited about the strong representation expected from Australia and New Zealand, anticipating around 25 to 30 boxers from Australia and a considerable team from New Zealand. There is also hope that Samoa will confirm its participation, promising a thrilling two-day tournament.
The year 2026 is set to be monumental for FABA, with the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics on the horizon, and this upcoming competition will serve as excellent preparation for local boxers. “The purpose of the tournament next year is a mixture; I still need to develop my junior boxers, but also our elites for the Commonwealth Games, who need competition,” Todd noted. He emphasized the importance of offering good competitive opportunities for boxers, especially for those who will be eligible to compete in the Youth Olympics, which targets athletes aged 17.
In addition to the championships, Todd plans to hold coaching workshops and joint training sessions with international teams during the competition week, further enhancing the development of Fiji’s boxing talent. While the specific date for the tournament has yet to be announced, the prospects of growth and development for Fijian boxers in an inclusive and competitive environment remain bright.